The Safe Schools unit helps schools and communities develop school-based and school-linked prevention and intervention services that promote a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment for student academic achievement and personal growth.
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Safe Schools staff provide training and technical assistance in the areas of school safety and crisis response planning, school violence reduction, substance abuse prevention, health education, and positive youth development. They also coordinate the Sonoma County School Attendance Review Board (SARB) and advise schools and parents about school attendance options, interdistrict transfers and appeals, truancy prevention, homeless education, and expulsion procedures and appeals.
Programs and Services
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention
Schools implement research-based alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention programs in an effort to eliminate and reduce substance use and provide drug-free environments for learning. Safe Schools staff can assist schools with curriculum selection, staff development, and implementation strategies.
Alcohol Reduction Programs
SCOE is working in partnership with area high schools and community-based agencies to address the serious problem of alcohol abuses by high school youth. Project SUCCESS (Schools Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students) is a national model that has been proven effective in preventing and reducing teen substance use. Project SUCCESS+ is an enhanced version of this program that includes a focus on behavioral health and is currently in place in six districts in Sonoma County. More...
Bullying and Violence Prevention
A safe, supportive and orderly environment is a prerequisite for student learning and success. The Safe Schools Unit of the Sonoma County Office of Education assists schools and districts by providing training and staff development, technical assistance, and direct services in violence prevention. Consultation is available for the Second Step curriculum.
Health Education
Schools, working in close partnership with families and communities, help students develop lifelong, positive health-related attitudes and behaviors. Health education in the schools must be supported by a comprehensive schoolwide system to promote children’s health. The Safe Schools Unit of the Sonoma County Office of Education works with schools to implement the Health Framework for California Public Schools.
School Safety and Crisis Response Planning
School safety is fundamental to students’ school success and achievement. The Safe Schools Unit of the Sonoma County Office of Education provides information and technical assistance to schools and coordinates training for school teams, helping them develop comprehensive safe school plans that comply with state and federal requirements and that provide the structure to effectively manage critical incidents.
Sonoma County School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
Throughout the county, district School Attendance Review Boards (SARBs) coordinate efforts to keep students in school and give them a meaningful educational experience. The Sonoma County Office of Education facilitates the Sonoma County SARB, a county-level body that develops policy and provides support and technical assistance to improve school attendance. Representatives from schools, law enforcement, probation, social services, parents, and youth-serving agencies serve as members of the county-level SARB. Meetings are held quarterly. The County SARB does not hear student cases.
The Sonoma County SARB encourages the cooperation, coordination, and development of strategies with the District Attorney’s Office, County Probation Department, and Human Services. Working collaboratively, the Sonoma County SARB and Sonoma County District Attorney have established a Truancy Mediation Program to reduce truancy across the county.
TUPE: Tobacco Use Prevention Education
Youth in Sonoma County have decreased tobacco use thanks to the combined efforts of schools, families, and the community. The Safe Schools Unit of the Sonoma County Office of Education provides leadership and support services to school districts participating in and receiving Tobacco Use Prevention Education funds from the state and collaborates with The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Sonoma County to extend these efforts to the community.